You need to book in at reception or on the computer system and then your
name will be called.

What do I bring to my first appointment?

A list of any medication you are taking

A list of any health problems that you have

Patient contracts (that you will have received with your first
invitation)

Who will I see at the first session?

You will be weighed and measured by a Health Care Assistant and will then
see an Obesity Specialist Nurse.

Will I see the doctor?

Not necessarily ….

You will only need to see Dr Capehorn if you are considered suitable for
consideration of bariatric surgery or weight loss medications. The RIO nurse team will
be able to advise you on whether these are suitable. This will not happen at
your first consultation as you will be required to initiate weight loss first. You may need to see Dr
Capehorn if one of the RIO multidisciplinary team feels it appropriate to discuss your current
medication.

I only want to see about surgery, why do I have to come to
RIO?

In many cases surgery is not the answer. Bariatric surgery does
not make you lose weight, but may allow appropriate patients to eat less without feeling
hungry. You may need to see different members of the multidisciplinary team to assess whether
you are suitable for weight loss surgery, before risking this radical and invasive surgical
procedure. Many patients who come to RIO find that after 3 months they have learnt how to lose
weight themselves, and find they no longer need or want a surgical referral.

Can I have weight loss medications on my first
appointment?

The RIO prescribing guidelines are very strict and in line with NHS
Rotherham, National Obesity Forum, and Consensus Guidelines on appropraiet prescribing of these
medications. You will need to show that your weight is stable, and that you have introduced that
basic principle of weight loss, before being referred to Dr Capehorn for consideration of weight loss
medications. The RIO nurses can advise you on whether these medications are
appropriate.

How long is the appointment?

Your 1st appointment will be about half an hour.

Please arrive at RIO at least five minutes before so that you can be
weighed and measured in time for your consultation.

It is during this initial consultation when you may be advised of which
other RIO multidisciplinary team members you should be seeing.

What does each person do?

This is explained in the RIO Brochure

What is the difference between the exercise therapist and the health trainer?

The exercise therapist will see you in the RIO gym; you will have an
assessment followed by 6 sessions during which time you will work together on a personalised exercise
plan. The Health trainer will see you on a one to one basis to help improve general aspects
of your health, as well as offer you support, encouragement and assess your
motivation.

How long before l can use the gym / see a therapist /
trainer.

There may be waiting times to see certain members of the RIO
multidisciplinary team, but you should be able to see any member that is appropriate within 8
weeks.

Will you give me a diet to follow?

You will not be given a specific diet to follow, as evidence suggests that
they are difficult to stick to. Healthy low fat diets
can be provided if specifically needed. Over the next 6 months
we will be working with you to promote a lifestyle change as opposed to a specific diet. At the end of your 6
month program you should be following a healthy balanced diet and losing
weight.